Mutharika expresses shock over death of Gwanda Chakuamba

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has said he is saddened with the untimely death of Steve Gwandangulube Chakuamba.

Chakuamba died this afternoon at Blantyre Adventist Hospital in Blantyre where he was admitted last week.

Writing on his official facebook page, Mutharika said the country has lost a legend.

“The First Lady and I are saddened to hear about the death of Steve Gwandangulube Chakuamba who passed on some hours ago at Blantyre Adventist Hospital.

“Gwanda -as we affectionately called him- will be remembered for many generations to come as one of the brave nationalists who played a great role during the struggle for an independent Malawi in the late 50s and early 60s,” wrote Mutharika.

He added: “As a nation we must choose to celebrate his life for the many fruits his brave character bore. He will remain as one of our national legends.”

Chakuamba Phiri was born 4 April 1934.

From the country’s independence in 1964 until 1980, Chakuamba was a key figure within the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which was the sole legal political party.

During the rule of President Hastings Kamuzu Banda, he held many cabinet positions and was Commander of the MCP youth group Malawi Young Pioneers.